Tragedy Strikes: 22 Miners Killed as Illegal Mining Pit Collapses in National Park
A devastating mining pit collapse in a protected national park in Taraba and Adamawa states has claimed the lives of 22 miners. The incident occurred in the Buffa zone of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, which straddles Gashaka Local Government Area in Taraba State and Toungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State.
A local miner from Gashaka, Adamu Jamtare, recounted the terrifying event to Daily Trust. Many of the victims hailed from Jamtare town in Gashaka LGA. “The 22 miners were working in an area known for gold mining, but the pit collapsed, and all of them were trapped. Unfortunately, they are presumed dead,” he said.
The Chairman of Toungo LGA, Engineer Suleiman Toungo, confirmed that five bodies had been recovered so far, but he was unsure of the exact number still buried. He revealed that the pit collapse occurred about a month ago and involved miners from various parts of Nigeria, including Zamfara and Adamawa.
According to Toungo, the illegal mining activities are often conducted secretly at night, despite the area being patrolled by rangers. “Five bodies have been recovered so far,” he added.
The Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed two separate incidents of pit collapses in the area. In one incident, four miners lost their lives, while in another six miners were involved, with two confirmed dead and four sustaining injuries. He stated that the police are working closely with the Gumti National Park authorities to apprehend the illegal miners involved.
